With Steven Gerrard apparently set to leave LA Galaxy in the very near future, where he goes next is of big discussion here in the Transfer Tavern.
Naturally, he is being linked with a return to Liverpool in some capacity after becoming one of the greatest players to ever wear the famous red jersey.
He will always have the adoration of the fans for his performances in games like the Champions League final and the FA Cup final against West Ham and should he return, he’d no doubt be welcomed with open arms.
That, is not what is up for debate, though. Gerrard is always going to be wanted around Melwood and Anfield but the question is whether it should be in a playing role given he is now winding down in his career.
For so long he was the heartbeat for the Anfield club but things have certainly moved on which is why our landlord thinks he shouldn’t return as a player, here are three reasons why…
Not the player he was
It comes to every player, even the greats.
Steven Gerrard simply isn’t the dynamite midfielder he once was and, in the Premier League especially, he’d find it hard to get up to that speed particularly after being out in America.
In terms of passing and technical ability he still has it but the physical side isn’t going to be what it once was and for a Reds side that is high-octane, he just couldn’t fit in well enough.
Klopp’s team is settled
This isn’t to say that Gerrard is a disruptive influence because the opposite is in fact true, he’d be a great prescence to have around again, just not as a player.
Liverpool’s first team looks nice and settled with the way it plays and so to try and fit the former captain in would upset the whole way they play.
He’s not going to want to sit on the bench all the time either and so a return as a player would be a waste.
Guard his reputation
Gerrard is always going to be remembered as the man who won the 2006 FA Cup final alone, dragged Liverpool back into the 2005 Champions League final and won countless games with that hammer of a right foot.
His feats will never be forgotten but should he return as a player and then not succeed, which is a big risk, he could see his reputation slightly tarnished. Sometimes it’s best to not go back.
Agree Reds fans? Let us know below…
